Childbirth is frequently a difficult process that can result in damage to the newborn. One example is: a child born with an injured upper cervical, the uppermost vertebra between the back of the head and the remainder of the spinal column. This injury is often the result of vacuum extraction during childbirth, or it could be due to the baby's umbilical cord wrapping around its neck.
A byproduct of this type of injury is acid reflux, a painful condition caused by liquid from the stomach draining back into and irritating the esophagus. Most associate acid reflux as a condition reserved for adults who eat heavily, however, more and more infants are receiving this diagnosis in their young lives. Symptoms of a baby with acid reflux include arching of the back, spitting up, crying after feeding, gas and refusing to feed from the breast or a bottle.
Oftentimes, mothers seek the assistance of a pediatric GI doctor, who, as it appears, simply prescribes the infant a dose of ranitidine or lansoprazole, to attempt to address the symptoms, but not correct the core of the condition.
In recent studies, though, researchers have noticed a trend that links birth injuries of the upper cervical together with acid reflux. A number of mothers of babies with acid reflux experienced a troubling child delivery, meaning that labor may have been prolonged or the fetus was in an abnormal position, both complications that often result in cesarean sections. With these observations, researchers have investigated the matter further.
In Hillary Marek's (2010) book, Understand Colic, the author cites a study reported by Dr. Erin Elster, D.C., regarding sixteen infants who had upper cervical chiropractic treatment to eliminate acid reflux disease. It was concluded that: "A casual link between birth trauma-induced upper cervical injury and the onset of acid reflux...appears to exist. Correcting the injury to the upper cervical spine through the use of IUCCA (International Upper Cervical Chiropractic Assoc.) protocol appears to reverse...acid reflux" (n.p.).
Though the study had been administered with only sixteen infants, all of them were relieved of acid reflux. The study noted that further research is needed, but with a 100% recovery outcome, it is hard to deny the work of the upper cervical chiropractic.
If you are a mother who had a difficult or prolonged labor, and your infant is suffering the symptoms of acid reflux, realize that a pediatric GI specialist will only turn to drugs. It might be wise to first consult with an upper cervical chiropractor.
To find a Doctor in your area go to www.NUCCA.org or if you are in the Redwood City California area to schedule your NUCCA evaluation, click the button below:
Want to hear from people like you? Check out our reviews here.
Dr. Pete Tsiglieris of Advanced Spinal Care in Redwood City, California is an Upper Cervical Specialist trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA). His upper cervical clinic also serves San Mateo, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, San Carlos, and Sunnyvale. They are uniquely trained to correct problems in the upper cervical spine (upper neck). This vital area is intimately connected to the central nervous system and problems in this area have been shown to be an underlying cause of a variety of different health problems, including migraines and other headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, neck pain, back pain and shoulder pain and weakness. More information can be found on our website at https://bayareanuccacare.com/.
Through the Brain Stem... 
The Brain stem is an extension of the brain itself that extends down into the upper neck area (upper cervical spine). The brain stem is susceptible to injury if the Atlas or Axis the top two bones in the spine are twisted or tilted as a result of traumatic accidents or injuries. Most of these injuries are to the head or neck. Examples would be car accidents, falls, diving accidents, surfing injuries, snowboarding falls, childhood falls from trees, off bikes, changing tables and more.
The common denominator is an injury that has torn loose the tissue that holds the spine in place in the upper neck which creates a weakness, which will allow the weight of the head (10-14 lbs) to become displaced from it's normal position. This misalignment of the head and neck relationship can be as little as 3/4 of degree and the brain will have to adapt to this new position. Our eyes and ears are created to be balanced. When the head is not balanced properly compensations will develop in order to rebalance the structure of the body and the eyes and ears through the righting reflex in the brain. Without this compensation we would just fall over when we stood up in a gravity environment.
The longer this compensation exists the more our body must adapt to this structural misalignment. This can lead to conditions like scoliosis or abnormal curvature of the spine.
Eventually we will develop symptoms as a result of nerve dysfunction.
Which symptoms?
That depends on the person and the nerves that are effected.
For instance the brain stem through the Vagus nerves controls the digestive system. Dysfunction here can lead to conditions like Acid Reflux, constipation, Irritable Bowel Syndrome and colic in kids.
And what about headaches?
Headaches can be caused by both the blood flow and nerve flow changes from the brain to the body and head and face when the brain stem function is altered.
So what can happen when the brain stem pressure is removed through the correction of an upper neck misalignment by a qualified upper cervical specialist?
Amazing things!
Amanda is a patient of ours who at only 21 years of age had had several head and neck traumas beginning in early childhood. These conditions in Amanda's body where leading to a daily dependence on Tums and Advil to just get through the day.
Thank God that is all over now.
Here is Amanda's story.
“When I first came into this office I was hoping to get rid of my acid reflux, because every night when I laid down I would get it regardless of what I ate. I also headaches, terrible allergies and generalized pain and aches throughout my body.
Now only 6 weeks into my care I sleep better at night, my sinus passages are clear, my breathing has improved. No acid reflux! I haven’t had an episode in weeks. I no longer need to take the Tums or the Advil that was just normal to me before.
I am happier in general because all of my pain and discomfort is gone! My work and service to the Lord has improved, I am more willing to take the extra step and go the extra mile.
You may think that there is no cure for the problem that you are dealing with, your normal doctor may think that you are being ridiculous, but NUCCA care is the cure…at 21 years old I have never felt so good!”
Are you ready to feel good again or maybe for the first time?
To find a Doctor in your area go to www.NUCCA.org or if you are in the Redwood City California area to schedule your NUCCA evaluation, click the button below:
Want to hear from people like you? Check out our reviews here.
Dr. Pete Tsiglieris of Advanced Spinal Care in Redwood City, California is an Upper Cervical Specialist trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA). His upper cervical clinic also serves San Mateo, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, San Carlos, and Sunnyvale. They are uniquely trained to correct problems in the upper cervical spine (upper neck). This vital area is intimately connected to the central nervous system and problems in this area have been shown to be an underlying cause of a variety of different health problems, including migraines and other headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, neck pain, back pain and shoulder pain and weakness. More information can be found on our website at https://bayareanuccacare.com/.
A fairly common problem for infants is acid reflux. This can make it difficult for the baby to keep down any amount of food. It can also result in a lot of crying and sleepless nights. What is the primary cause of this condition? Can upper cervical chiropractic help babies that are suffering from acid reflux? Read on to learn more.
Acid reflux in infants seems to be connected with some form of birth trauma that results in an injury to the upper neck. These upper neck injuries can be caused by anything from a breech birth to extended labor. These injuries are frequently the root cause of the acid reflux.
Unfortunately, once most doctors make a diagnosis of acid reflux, they immediately start offering drugs such as Prilosec, Zantac, or Prevacid to treat the symptom rather than the problem that is causing it.
How does upper cervical chiropractic provide a safe and drug-free alternative?
Since the ultimate issue is frequently an injury to the two uppermost vertebrae at the base of the brain, using gentle upper cervical chiropractic procedures can provide natural relief for the condition. Studies on a number of infants have shown the benefits that come from upper cervical chiropractic care, especially when the baby suffers from acid reflux.
Dr Erin Elster has done some incredible research in the upper neck area. In one case series, she evaluated nine babies from 3 weeks to 11 months of age all who had been diagnosed with acid reflux by their pediatrician.
All 9 children were found to have an upper neck misalignment. All 9 children had their upper neck misalignments corrected with upper cervical chiropractic care. The care programs took between two and eight weeks and in all 9 cases symptoms resolved by 100%, and all medications were discontinued.
Don't just treat the symptom, treat the cause. Upper cervical chiropractic can help to alleviate your child's acid reflux symptoms permanently by repairing the injury that is causing it in the first place.
To find a Doctor in your area go to www.NUCCA.org or if you are in the Redwood City California area to schedule your NUCCA evaluation, click the button below:
Want to hear from people like you? Check out our reviews here.
Dr. Pete Tsiglieris of Advanced Spinal Care in Redwood City, California is an Upper Cervical Specialist trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA). His upper cervical clinic also serves San Mateo, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, San Carlos, and Sunnyvale. They are uniquely trained to correct problems in the upper cervical spine (upper neck). This vital area is intimately connected to the central nervous system and problems in this area have been shown to be an underlying cause of a variety of different health problems, including migraines and other headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, neck pain, back pain and shoulder pain and weakness. More information can be found on our website at https://bayareanuccacare.com/.
ABC news recently reported that medical doctors are frequently over medicating babies for acid reflux. New guidelines published in the journal Pediatrics say doctors and parents need to take a closer look before deciding on medication.
The report goes on to say the new recommendations call for lifestyle changes first. Those include changing positions when feeding, or giving many smaller meals a day, rather than several larger ones.
Mothers who are breastfeeding should also adjust their diets, to eliminate spicy foods.
Medications, such a proton pump acid reducers, should only be used for GERD, when complications arise. And surgery should be the last option, reserved for children who are at risk of life-threatening complications. The report in Pediatrics suggests there may too many children on medications, with the risk outweighing the benefits of them.
While lifestyle changes such as those listed above are great first option, the next option should not be medications or surgery. ABC news failed to discuss a common cause of acid reflux in children. During the birth process a misalignment can occur in the upper neck that will change the communication between the brain and the body leading to a variety of different problems, including acid reflux.
Two medical doctors from Europe have done extensive research into upper neck problems in newborns and how that relates to the health of children. Dr. Gutmann was researching the connection all the way back to the 1960's... in 1987 Dr. Gutmann published his research linking the upper neck to problems ranging from acid reflux to scoliosis, ear infections, torticollis, colic and many other common childhood conditions.
Dr. Biedermann also has published extensively on this subject and published his findings in 1992. Between the 2 medical researchers they have studied over 1000 newborns and have observed a very high incidence of upper cervical misalignments on x-ray. Gutmann found over 80% in his study had problems in the upper neck that needed to be addressed! Birth trauma was the most common cause. Forceps delivery, vacuum extraction and even just normal birthing methods with a woman flat on her back rather than in the standing position where gravity can work, can be an extremely traumatic experience for the head and neck of a newborn.
Upper neck misalignments can be corrected in babies safely, gently and effectively with an upper cervical chiropractic approach such as NUCCA.
If you have a child that’s been diagnosed with acid reflux, before considering giving medication to your baby have their upper neck evaluated for a traumatic birth injury. Look for the cause of the problem rather than just covering up the symptoms.
To find a Doctor in your area go to www.NUCCA.org or if you are in the Redwood City California area to schedule your NUCCA evaluation, click the button below:
Want to hear from people like you? Check out our reviews here.
Dr. Pete Tsiglieris of Advanced Spinal Care in Redwood City, California is an Upper Cervical Specialist trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA). His upper cervical clinic also serves San Mateo, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, San Carlos, and Sunnyvale. They are uniquely trained to correct problems in the upper cervical spine (upper neck). This vital area is intimately connected to the central nervous system and problems in this area have been shown to be an underlying cause of a variety of different health problems, including migraines and other headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, neck pain, back pain and shoulder pain and weakness. More information can be found on our website at https://bayareanuccacare.com/.
One of the most difficult things a new mother can go through is to see her new baby in pain. Acid reflux in babies is a common problem that causes pain and other symptoms. The most common symptoms include excessive vomiting, cough, gagging, choking or refusing to eat, crying when eating and heartburn, gas or abdominal pain. Babies may also have colic, restricted growth, breathing difficulties, and they may have pneumonia that keeps coming back. It is a challenge for mothers and babies that is very difficult to overcome.
There are many suspected causes for acid reflux in newborns and babies, and most common treatments include acid reduction medicine. However, there is increasing evidence that birth injuries and trauma may be a possible cause. The reasons for birth injuries or trauma can include long births or extremely fast births, C-sections and posterior positioning during pregnancy and birth. Birth is a difficult process for the mother, so we often forget about the immense amount of force being put on the baby as it moves down the birth canal, leading with its head. This can put a large amount of pressure on the spine and result in misalignment which can cause acid reflux in babies.
Upper Cervical Chiropractic for Babies
Upper cervical chiropractic is a specialized branch of chiropractic care that focuses specifically on certain joints in the neck and upper spine. More and more parents are finding that their babies respond positively to upper cervical chiropractic care to for their newborns acid reflux. The correction of the misalignment can cause instant results at times. Many parents report that after treatment, their constipated babies have bowel movements and experience relief of abdominal pain.
Every medical treatment carries its own list of risks and benefits. If your baby is already on medication for acid reflux, you already know this first hand as some of your babies’ symptoms have improved while drug side effects have appeared. Many studies and organizations support the use of chiropractic for babies and children. As with anything, you should use your own judgment and be sure to do your research before committing to any particular treatment. If your baby has been diagnosed with acid reflux and you are looking for an alternative to medication, speak with an upper cervical chiropractor about your baby.
To find a Doctor in your area go to www.NUCCA.org or if you are in the Redwood City California area to schedule your NUCCA evaluation, click the button below:
Want to hear from people like you? Check out our reviews here.
Dr. Pete Tsiglieris of Advanced Spinal Care in Redwood City, California is an Upper Cervical Specialist trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA). His upper cervical clinic also serves San Mateo, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, San Carlos, and Sunnyvale. They are uniquely trained to correct problems in the upper cervical spine (upper neck). This vital area is intimately connected to the central nervous system and problems in this area have been shown to be an underlying cause of a variety of different health problems, including migraines and other headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, neck pain, back pain and shoulder pain and weakness. More information can be found on our website at https://bayareanuccacare.com/.
Acid Reflux Drugs Lead to High Blood Pressure and a Weakened HeartSeveral news organizations are reporting that commonly prescribed acid reflux drugs taken by millions of people may also cause cardiovascular disease. The reports are based on recently published research from the American Heart Association’s journal Circulation.
Researchers found the drugs, known as proton pump inhibitors or PPIs, can cause blood vessels to constrict. If taken regularly, PPIs could lead to hypertension and a weakened heart. Common PPIs are purchasable over the counter and include Prilosec, Nexium and Prevacid.
John Cooke, M.D., Ph.D., the study’s principal investigator said “our work is consistent with previous reports that PPIs may increase the risk of a second heart attack in people who have been hospitalized with an acute coronary syndrome.
The Food and Drug Administration estimates about 1 in 14 Americans has used PPIs. In 2009, PPIs were the third-most taken type of drug in the United States, accounting for $13 billion in sales. PPIs are used to treat a wide range of disorders, including gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, infection by the ulcer-causing Helicobacter pylori, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, and Barrett’s esophagus.
Head and neck trauma such as car accidents, sports injuries, falls, and even birth trauma in children can lead to a misalignment in the upper neck that will change the communication between the brain and the body leading to a variety of different problems, including acid reflux. The lower esophageal sphincter musculature is frequently not functioning properly due to improper nerve supply.
Dr. Godfrey Gutmann, a German medical researcher was looking into this connection all the way back to the 1960's... in 1987 Dr. Gutmann published his research linking the upper neck to problems ranging from acid reflux to scoliosis, ear infections, torticollis, colic and many other conditions.
Upper neck misalignments can be corrected safely, gently and effectively with an upper cervical chiropractic approach such as NUCCA.
If you or your child have been diagnosed with acid reflux, before considering medication and its side effects have a thorough upper neck evaluation to look for an undetected brainstem injury.
Look for the cause of the problem rather than just covering up the symptoms.
To find a Doctor in your area go to www.NUCCA.org or if you are in the Redwood City California area to schedule your NUCCA evaluation, click the button below:
Want to hear from people like you? Check out our reviews here.
Dr. Pete Tsiglieris of Advanced Spinal Care in Redwood City, California is an Upper Cervical Specialist trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA). His upper cervical clinic also serves San Mateo, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, San Carlos, and Sunnyvale. They are uniquely trained to correct problems in the upper cervical spine (upper neck). This vital area is intimately connected to the central nervous system and problems in this area have been shown to be an underlying cause of a variety of different health problems, including migraines and other headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, neck pain, back pain and shoulder pain and weakness. More information can be found on our website at https://bayareanuccacare.com/.
